Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University’s Michael and Ann Greenwood School of Music’s music industry program has been named one of the nation’s top music business schools by Billboard magazine for three consecutive years.
The Music Industry program has gained even more attention with Billboard recognition and attracts talented students from all over the United States. Billboard recognizes schools that excel in areas such as music production and live entertainment, providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for an ever-evolving industry.
“It’s one of the best things and one of the most frustrating things,” joked music industry director and associate professor Dr. Mark Perry. “I teach an introductory music business course every year, and I’ve never taught that class the same way, because things are changing in the music industry even while I’m teaching the class. .”
With support from GSM and CAS staff and leadership, Perry established the Music Industry Program at Greenwood School of Music in 2017. The program has become the fastest growing program within the school. Much of its success is due to the program’s outstanding leadership and continuous evaluation.
At its inception, most students were from Oklahoma or Texas, but in recent years the program has seen an increase in students from neighboring states and coastal areas.
“We believe that one of the strongest aspects of our program compared to other programs is that we do not have a single concentration and instead prepare students for an ever-changing industry. ,” Perry said.
Throughout the program, Perry has assembled a strong team of music industry professionals to share their talents and skills with students. Artists like award-winning songwriter Zach Malloy and successful music producers Luke Tallon and Trent Bell have shown aspiring musicians different sides of the music industry.
“Songs my band and I have written have been featured in Billboard magazine for nearly 30 years,” Malloy said. “I never expected to be featured as a teacher in the music program at OSU, which had been named one of the best programs in the country three years in a row.”
Greenwood School of Music provides training for students in state-of-the-art facilities including recording studios and performance spaces. The generosity of Michael and Ann Greenwood, Betsy Coutons, and Dick and Melinda Berry Fisher allows our students to practice what they are learning and find their passion.
Perry and the department are already planning future efforts to further strengthen the program and solidify its position as a leader in music business education.
“I have big plans and want to give my students as many opportunities as possible,” Perry said. “As we grow, we need support. The donations we received were extraordinary and life-changing for our students.”
Students are drawn to the wide range of skills and disciplines that the music industry offers. The program gives students an opportunity to express themselves by writing and recording songs on Spotify, participating in the Battle of the Bands at the end of each semester, and collaborating with resident rock bands such as Other Lives. We offer
Perry is excited about the future of OSU’s music industry program and is always finding new ways to push and expand its boundaries. Billboard recognition not only improves our music industry programs, but also enhances OSU’s standing as a top-tier academic institution and prepares our students for the next generation.
Story: Darby Rains darby.rains@okstate.edu
